Statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on the arrest of opposition leader Kem SokhaGENEVA (September 4, 2017) - I am deeply concerned about the arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha, likely to be implemented without respect for proper guarantees and respect for his immunity.He was charged with treason, facing jail terms of between 15 and 30 years, based on a video about a speech he gave in 2013, and has since been publicized since then. I am also concerned about many public statements by the prime minister and senior officials for Mr. Kem Sokha's assertion that it violates the principle of presumption of innocence and fair trial rights that he is entitled to under Cambodian law and international human rights law.Mr. Kem Sokha's arrest is of the utmost concern as the arrest comes amidst new measures by the Royal Government of Cambodia. These measures have led to the shutdown of a foreign NGO and attempted to launch media outlets, including a number of radio stations and major independent English-language newspaper The Cambodia Daily, which are now forced to stop publishing after 24 years.

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